JP7387628B2 - Unmanned beverage dispensing system and method - Google Patents

Description

The described embodiments generally relate to unattended beverage dispensing. Specifically, embodiments relate to unattended beverage dispensing systems and methods that utilize biometric identification for beverages at unmanned beverage dispenser kiosks.

Beverage dispensers are used in various locations such as restaurants, cafes, theaters, and other entertainment and/or food service establishments to dispense beverages to customers. In some locations, self-service beverage dispensers are used to dispense beverages. For example, customers at an amusement park may purchase beverage cups that allow them to pour into the cup itself using a self-service beverage dispenser. Self-service beverage dispensers may be desirable in many settings to enhance the customer experience and reduce the employee time required to fulfill customer orders. Because of these and other advantages, self-service beverage dispensers are used in numerous settings including movie theaters, buffet or cafeteria restaurants, cruise ships, concert venues, and sports stadiums.

Some unattended beverage dispensers can allow unlimited beverage dispensing to a person who approaches the beverage dispenser in the field. Some unattended beverage dispensers can limit the amount of beverage that can be dispensed by customers who purchase beverages at the venue. Dispensing systems have been developed that allow dispensers to identify cups that are approved for use in self-service beverage dispensers. For example, a customer may purchase a cup that has a barcode on the cup. Upon scanning the barcode, the beverage dispenser may allow the customer to dispense the beverage into the cup if the barcode is authorized for dispensing. As another example, beverage dispensing control may be accomplished using a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag on the cup. In some cases, the RFID tag may be a read/write RFID tag.

Controlling the persons authorized to dispense beverages, and the amount of beverages such authorized persons may dispense, is the responsibility of the venue owner and/or operator to prevent theft or customer This can help reduce losses due to wasteful consumption. Additionally, a positive customer experience with a self-service beverage dispenser may be desirable to venue owners and/or operators. A positive customer experience and customer satisfaction associated with the use of a beverage dispenser can be a desirable tool for venue owners and/or operators to sell beverages and keep customers coming back. Additionally, positive customer experiences and satisfaction can promote brand recognition and can be a valuable marketing tool.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for methods and systems for controlling access to self-service beverage dispensers.

Some embodiments include a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense one or more beverages, a user interface having a biometric sensor configured to identify a biological characteristic of a customer, and a controller, the user interface comprising: a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense one or more beverages; authenticating the customer based on the biometric characteristic; and associating the authenticated customer with a customer account, the customer account including beverage dispensing rules for the authenticated customer; and authenticating the customer. and a controller configured to: enable dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing nozzle after associating an authorized customer with a customer account.

Some embodiments are a database configured to store a plurality of authorized biometric profiles, each authorized profile including a biometric profile and a customer account, the customer account being associated with beverage dispensing rules. a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser including a user interface having a database containing a database, a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense one or more beverages, and a biometric sensor configured to identify a customer biometric characteristic; Authenticating a customer based on the customer's biometric characteristics by comparing the customer biometric characteristics to an authorized biometric profile; a controller configured to: associate a beverage dispensing system with a dispensing nozzle based on a particular approved biometric profile; set to target.

Some embodiments are directed to a method of dispensing a beverage from an unattended beverage dispenser, the method comprising storing a plurality of authorized biometric profiles in a database, each of the authorized profiles includes the biometric characteristics and the customer account, and the customer account includes the beverage dispensing rules; authenticating the customer at the unattended beverage dispenser by comparing the customer to a biometric profile in the database; dispensing the beverage at the unattended beverage dispenser based on the determined biometric profile.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the user interface may include an electronic display screen and the biometric sensor may include a camera for optically identifying biometric characteristics of the customer. good. In some embodiments, the electronic display screen is configured to display images captured by the camera.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the user interface may include an actuator configured to initiate dispensing of the beverage from the dispensing nozzle. In some embodiments, the actuator may include a biosensor. In some embodiments, upon actuation of the actuator, the controller may be configured to authenticate the customer, associate the authenticated customer with a customer account, and initiate dispensing of the beverage from the dispensing nozzle. . In some embodiments, upon sensing that the actuator is disengaged, the controller records the amount of beverage dispensed from the dispense nozzle and bases the beverage dispensing rule on the dispensed beverage. It may also be configured to update the information. In some embodiments, the actuator may include a button. In some embodiments, the actuator may include a touch screen.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the dispenser may include a fingerprint reader.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the controller may be configured to compare the identified biometric characteristic to a database of authorized biometric characteristics.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, a customer account may include a purchased beverage plan.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the customer account may include a promotional beverage allowance.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, a customer account may include customer preferences.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage dispensing rules include beverage volume allowance rules, beverage refill allowance rules, time-based rules, geographic location-based rules, and prepaid It may include at least one of the credit rules.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the customer account may include beverage dispensing restrictions. In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing limits may include at least one of a maximum volume capacity limit, a refill capacity limit, and a beverage type limit.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the controller tracks the beverages dispensed by the authorized customer and determines whether the beverage is dispensed based on the beverage dispensed by the authorized customer. It may be configured to update the dispensing rules.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the biometric characteristic may include at least one of a fingerprint, a finger vein pattern, a retinal profile, an iris profile, a facial profile, and an audio profile. .

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the controller may be configured to enable beverage dispensing from the dispensing nozzle for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, once the predetermined time period expires, the controller may be configured to prevent beverage dispensing until the future customer is authenticated.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, an authorized biometric profile may be received at a database from a mobile device application.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage dispenser may be configured to collect an authorized biometric profile.

1 illustrates a dispensing system according to some embodiments.

3 illustrates a customer profile according to some embodiments.

3 illustrates a beverage dispenser according to some embodiments.

3 illustrates a beverage dispenser according to some embodiments.

3 illustrates a beverage dispenser according to some embodiments.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dispensing a beverage according to some embodiments.

1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system in which embodiments may be implemented; FIG.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References such as “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” and “an exemplary embodiment” are references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” and “an exemplary embodiment” that refer to specific features, structures, or Although not all embodiments necessarily include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it does not apply to such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with any other embodiment, whether or not explicitly stated. shall be within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

Customers may choose to purchase beverages (eg, fountain beverages) that are dispensed directly into their cups from a beverage dispenser for a variety of reasons. By purchasing fountain beverages, as opposed to purchasing packaged (e.g., bottled or canned) beverages, customers have greater control over the amount and type of beverages they may receive. may become possible. For example, by purchasing a fountain beverage, a customer can choose from a variety of different types of beverages, sample various types of beverages, and the customer can add a desired amount of the same beverage or a different beverage to their cup. can be replenished. Also, by purchasing fountain beverages, customers may be able to mix different types of beverages to customize their own beverages (e.g., customers can choose between regular cola and diet cola). (can be mixed).

In some examples, the dispenser may allow the customer to customize the beverage by preselecting a combination of beverage, flavoring, additives, etc. that will be dispensed into the cup. In such cases, the beverage dispenser may include a user interface that allows the customer to make the desired selections. This flexibility and customization can drive beverage sales and attract customers to locations that offer dispensers with such capabilities. Beverage customization can be fun for consumers and can actively improve customer experience and satisfaction in specific settings (e.g., restaurants, cafes, theaters, and other entertainment and/or food service establishments). can contribute. As such, these attributes of a dispenser may be desirable to venue owners and/or operators (hereinafter referred to as "operators") seeking to attract customers and encourage repeat customer visits.

Although customer freedom in beverage selection can improve the customer experience in the field, customer freedom can create problems for management. Customer experience and interactions with unmanned beverage dispensers can influence on-site customer opinions. Additionally, a business owner may desire to control the amount of beverage dispensed by an unattended beverage dispenser. Misuse of self-service beverage dispensers can be costly. Accordingly, an operator may desire to restrict access to and dispensing from a self-service dispenser to only customers who have purchased a beverage from the operator. Operators may restrict access and beverage dispensing by providing customers with machine-readable items containing encoded data having information regarding the customer's ability to dispense beverages from an unattended beverage dispenser.

In some instances, it may be desirable for operators to limit the amount of items with encoded data that are given to customers, such as cards or cups that include encoded data. If these items are disposable, they can be expensive to purchase for business owners and can generate scraps or trash on site. If these items are reusable, maintenance and reprogramming can be expensive, and non-return of reusable items can be costly to business owners. Additionally, if a customer loses an item, they may not be able to dispense the beverage without going through the trouble of obtaining a new item. Ultimately, operators may have to pass on some of the costs associated with these machine-readable items to customers in order to make unattended beverage dispensers successful.

In some cases, the use of machine-readable items can negatively impact the customer's experience with the on-site and/or on-site unattended beverage dispenser. Keeping track of machine-readable items can be a pain. Also, replacing lost machine-readable items can be more cumbersome and can reduce the amount of time customers can enjoy the entertainment provided on-site. Additionally, machine-readable items may be more susceptible to theft. Stolen items can also be more troublesome and troublesome than lost items.

In addition to these possible problems with machine-readable items given to customers, machine-readable items can impair customer interaction with an unattended beverage dispenser. The time and attention spent handling the machine-readable item may unintentionally focus attention on the machine-readable item and draw the customer's attention away from the beverage dispenser experience. Such customer attention to machine-readable items can detract from the customer's experience with an unattended beverage dispenser that can provide multiple choices and benefits to the customer. Missing out on these options and benefits can undermine the ideal experience that managers and/or manufacturers want their customers to have.

In some embodiments, the unattended beverage dispensers discussed herein identify and authenticate customers without the need for an operator to hand over a machine-readable item to the customer. In some embodiments, the unattended beverage dispensers discussed herein identify and authenticate a customer based on one or more biometric characteristics (i.e., biometric data) of the customer. Eliminating the need for customers to carry machine-readable items to dispense beverages with unattended beverage dispensers can improve the customer experience and reduce costs for business operators. Such hands-free identification may result in a harmonious customer-friendly experience between the unattended beverage dispenser and the customer.

In some embodiments, one or more biometric characteristics of a customer may be associated with a customer account. A customer account may include details regarding the amount of beverages purchased by the customer. A customer account may also include at least one beverage dispensing rule for the customer. Beverage dispensing rules may be based on the amount of beverage purchased by the customer. For example, a beverage dispensing rule may limit the amount of beverage that a customer can dispense based on the amount of beverage the customer has purchased (eg, a particular volume of beverage or number of refills of the beverage).

Additionally, embodiments discussed herein may prevent unauthorized customers from "piggybacking" beverage allowances purchased by authorized customers at unattended beverage kiosks. "Piggybacking" occurs when a person, intentionally or unintentionally, dispenses a beverage using someone else's account, thereby causing the purchased beverage dispensing allowance to be unexpected. It gets transferred from people. Whether intentional or not, piggybacking increases control by associating a beverage dispensing with a specific authorized customer and terminating the dispensing after that customer's interaction with the beverage dispenser is complete. can be done.

FIG. 1 depicts a beverage dispensing system 100, according to one embodiment. Beverage dispensing system 100 may be located on-site and may include one or more beverage dispensers 110. Beverage dispenser 110 may be any of the beverage dispensers discussed herein (eg, beverage dispenser 300, 400, or 500). As used herein, "beverage" includes, but is not limited to, soft drinks, water, carbonated water, milk drinks, juices, alcoholic drinks, sports drinks, smoothies, coffee drinks, tea drinks, and milkshakes. Includes any consumable free-flowing liquid or semi-liquid product that is not. As discussed herein, beverage dispenser 110 can identify and authenticate customers who have purchased one or more beverages. In some embodiments, beverage dispenser 110 may identify and authenticate a customer based on one or more biometric characteristics of the customer. The user interface 122 of the beverage dispenser 110 may facilitate customer identification and authentication.

The user interface 122 includes a display 123 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display, which may be a touch screen display) for displaying information to the customer. may be included. In some embodiments, the user interface 122 includes one or more actuators 128 (e.g., buttons, levers, handles, or icons on a touch screen that appear on the display screen 123) for receiving commands from the customer. may or may not be integrated). In some embodiments, actuator 128 of user interface 122 may be configured to initiate dispensing of a beverage from dispensing nozzle 112 of dispenser 110.

Controller 120 may be configured to control operations of dispensing system 100 (eg, customer identification and authentication, as well as dispensing of beverages and/or ice). In some embodiments, controller 120 may be configured to control multiple beverage dispensers 110. In some embodiments, individual beverage dispensers 110 may have individual controllers 120 that may be controlled by a central controller (eg, remote controller 124).

Controller 120 may be configured to control display screen 123 and receive instructions from user interface 122. User interface 122 may allow a customer to control various aspects of dispensing system 100. For example, user interface 122 may allow a user to initiate dispensing of beverages and/or ice. User interface 122 may also allow the customer to select different types of beverages and/or ingredient ingredients to dispense. A customer can customize his or her beverage by selecting beverage and/or ingredient options on the user interface 122. In some embodiments, user interface 122 may allow a customer to enter a user identification code (eg, a username or phone number) that identifies a particular customer. In some embodiments, user interface 122 may include one or more readers or scanners 126 to read machine-readable items for customer identification. Machine-readable items include barcodes, magnetic strips, quick response (QR) codes, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, Bluetooth-enabled devices (e.g., mobile phones), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices, or Examples include, but are not limited to, sonic communication devices (eg, devices with LISNR® ultrasound technology).

In some embodiments, user interface 122 may include one or more biometric sensors 125 to identify one or more biometric characteristics of the customer. Biosensors 125 may include, for example, but are not limited to, a fingerprint reader, a finger vein scanner, a retinal scanner, an iris scanner, a camera (for taking photos and/or recording video), or a microphone. . The customer's biometric characteristics may include fingerprints, finger vein patterns, retinal profiles, iris profiles, facial profiles, and voice profiles.

Controller 120 in communication with biometric sensor 125 can authenticate the customer based on the biometric characteristics identified by biometric sensor 125 . After authenticating the customer, controller 120 may associate the authenticated customer with a customer account (eg, one of the customer accounts shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, controller 120 may locate a particular customer account within a database (eg, database 150) based on the biometric characteristics identified by biometric sensor 125. Controller 120 may locate a particular customer account by comparing the customer's identified biometric characteristics to a database of authorized biometric characteristics. After authenticating the customer, controller 120 may enable beverage dispensing based on one or more beverage dispensing rules associated with the customer's account.

In some embodiments, user interface 122 may include an electronic display screen 123 and biometric sensor 125 may include a camera to optically identify the customer's biometric characteristics. In some embodiments, electronic display screen 123 may be configured to display images or video captured by the camera. For example, electronic display screen 123 may be configured to display a photo of the customer taken by a camera of biosensor 125. A photo of the customer taken by the camera may be analyzed by controller 120 to determine whether the customer is authorized to dispense a beverage from beverage dispenser 110. In other words, controller 120 can identify and authenticate the customer based on the photo. For example, controller 120 may identify and authenticate a customer based on facial recognition of the customer obtained by analyzing a photo taken by a camera of biosensor 125. In such embodiments, the user interface 122 may prompt the customer to pose for a photo when the customer approaches the beverage dispenser 110 (e.g., a visual display for the customer to look at the camera). physical, verbal, or audible instructions). For example, a text message may appear on the electronic display screen 123, a light or visual display may be illuminated on the electronic display screen 123, or a speaker on the beverage dispenser 110 may say "Look at the camera." ” verbal instructions may be provided.

In some embodiments, actuators 128 of user interface 122 may include biosensors 125. For example, a button or touch screen on user interface 122 may include a fingerprint reader or finger vein scanner. In such embodiments, upon actuation of the actuator 128, the controller 120 is configured to identify and authenticate the customer, associate the authenticated customer with the customer account, and begin dispensing a beverage from the beverage dispenser 110. may have been done. In such embodiments, identifying the customer, authorizing the customer, and initiating beverage dispensing may only require a single action by the user (e.g., all of these steps ).

In some embodiments, upon sensing that the actuator 128 is disengaged by the customer, the controller 120 is configured to stop dispensing the beverage and record the amount of beverage dispensed from the beverage dispenser 110. may be done. In some embodiments, controller 120 may be configured to update beverage dispensing rules based on the beverage dispensed from beverage dispenser 110. In such embodiments, the controller 120 is configured to track beverages dispensed by the authorized customer and update the customer's beverage dispensing rules based on the beverages dispensed by the authorized customer. may be done. In embodiments that include an actuator 128 with an integrated biometric sensor 125, the piggyback stops dispensing when the customer's biometric characteristic (e.g., a fingerprint) is no longer identified by the sensor 125 of the actuator 128. , can be prevented by pausing or terminating the dispensing session. For example, when a customer removes their finger from an actuator, additional dispensing may be prevented unless the same customer presses the actuator or a new customer is identified and authenticated. In some embodiments, a dispenser 110 that includes multiple actuators 128 with integrated biosensors 125 may allow multiple customers to be identified and authenticated simultaneously. Also, in such embodiments, multiple customers may dispense beverages at the same time, and each customer's beverage consumption may be tracked separately by the system 100.

In some embodiments, dispensing system 100 may include remote controller 124. Remote controller 124 may be, for example, a local area computer, a network computer, or a server. Remote controller 124 may communicate with controller 120 via a wired or wireless connection. Remote controller 124 may send information to controller 120. For example, remote controller 124 may be configured to send software updates to controller 120. The software update may provide controller 120 with updated user interface software for displaying information to a user on display screen 123. In some embodiments, the software update may include, for example, a new type of beverage that may be dispensed from beverage dispenser 110, a new ingredient ingredient (e.g., a flavoring agent) that may be added to a beverage that may be dispensed from beverage dispenser 110, or May include new icons for new beverage costs. In some embodiments, software updates may include beverage construction formulas for new beverage products.

In some embodiments, remote controller 124 can collect dispenser information from controller 120. The dispenser information collected from the controller 120 includes (1) the amount and type of beverage dispensed into the beverage dispenser 110; (2) the type and type of ingredient remaining in the ingredient source 140 of the dispensing system 100; may include, but are not limited to, the amount of raw material component 142, (3) customer biometric characteristics, and (4) data from sensor 127. In some embodiments, remote controller 124 can store dispenser information. In some embodiments, dispenser information may be used to track customer preferences. In some embodiments, the remote controller 124 can communicate with multiple dispensing systems 100, which may or may not be located remotely from each other (e.g., at different (located on site).

Controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may include or communicate with database 150. Database 150 may be configured to store multiple authorized biometric profiles. FIG. 2 illustrates an example authorized biometric profile for an example customer. Each authorized profile may include one or more biometric characteristics (biometric ID) and a customer account. Additionally, each customer account may include one or more of beverage dispensing rules, beverage dispensing limits, promotional beverage allowances, and customer preferences. In some embodiments, a customer may be assigned a customer number, which may be used by the system 100/database 150 to track the customer's biometric characteristics and account.

Beverage dispensing rules are rules that dictate the amount of beverage that an authorized customer may dispense from a beverage dispenser as described herein. A beverage plan associated with a customer may include one or more beverage dispensing rules associated with the plan. Beverage dispensing rules may include, for example, volume-based dispensing rules, refill allowance rules, geographic location-based dispensing rules, time-based rules, prepaid credit dispensing rules, or unlimited dispensing rules. In some embodiments, a customer account may include multiple beverage dispensing rules. For example, a customer account may have a geographical location-based dispensing rule paired with a time-based rule in a beverage plan that allows a customer to dispense beverages at a specific location over a specific period of time (e.g., one day). May include note rules. As another example, a customer account may include a time-based rule that allows the customer to dispense up to a certain volume of beverage (e.g., 120 ounces) within a certain period of time (e.g., during a 4-hour window). Paired volume-based dispensing rules may also be included. Beverage dispensing rules may be stored and updated within database 150. In some embodiments, a beverage plan associated with a customer may be purchased. In some embodiments, a beverage plan associated with a customer may be provided to the customer as part of a promotional sale. In some embodiments, a beverage plan associated with a customer may be provided to the customer as part of an associated purchase. For example, a beverage plan may be provided to a customer in connection with purchasing tickets to an event or venue, such as an amusement park, for example.

Volume-based dispensing rules limit the volume of beverage that a customer can dispense from beverage dispenser 110. For example, a customer may purchase or receive a beverage plan that entitles the customer to 40 ounces of beverages, 80 ounces of beverages, 120 ounces of beverages, or 200 ounces of beverages. In such embodiments, controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may track a customer's volumetric beverage consumption by tracking the volume of beverage dispensed after the customer at beverage dispenser 110 is identified and authenticated. Volume (dispensed beverage) may also be tracked. By tracking the volume of beverages dispensed by an authorized customer, the dispensed volume can be deducted from the customer's entitled beverage volume, thereby updating the customer's beverage dispensing rules. can. For example, if a customer purchases or receives a beverage plan that entitles the customer to 80 ounces of beverage, and the customer dispenses a 13 ounce beverage, the beverage dispensing rule based on that volume will be updated and the customer will be entitled to 67 ounces of beverage. Reflects that only ounces of beverage rights are granted. Additional beverage dispensing will similarly reduce the volumetric amount.

The refill allowance rule limits the number of pours of a given volume of beverage that a customer can dispense from the beverage dispenser 110. For example, a customer may purchase a beverage plan that entitles the customer to two 12 oz refills, five 12 oz refills, two 20 oz refills, or five 20 oz refills. In such embodiments, controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may track a customer's refill consumption (dispensed) by tracking the number of refills dispensed after the customer at beverage dispenser 110 is identified and authenticated. beverages). By tracking fixed volume refills dispensed by an authorized customer, the number of refills consumed by the customer can be deducted from the customer's entitled refill allowance, thereby reducing the customer's beverage dispensing Rules can be updated. For example, if a customer purchases or receives a beverage plan that entitles the customer to five 12-ounce refills, and the customer dispenses one 12-ounce refill, that refill allowance rule is updated and the customer is entitled to five 12-ounce refills. This reflects the fact that you are only entitled to four more 12-ounce refills. In some embodiments, a customer may purchase or receive a beverage plan that automatically reloads its replenishment allowance after a certain amount of time. For example, a beverage dispensing plan may entitle a customer to five 12-ounce refills every 24 hours.

Geographic location-based rules limit customers to dispensing from beverage dispensers 110 located at one or more specific geographic locations. For example, a customer may purchase or receive a beverage plan that entitles the customer to dispense beverages at a particular location (eg, a theme park, stadium, or university campus). In such embodiments, a customer may be able to dispense a beverage from any beverage dispenser located at a particular location.

Time-based rules limit the time window during which a customer can dispense to beverage dispenser 110. For example, a customer may purchase or receive a beverage plan that entitles the customer to dispense beverages for 24 hours, 48 hours, or a week. In some embodiments, a customer may purchase or receive a beverage plan that entitles the customer to dispense beverages in per-site time windows. For example, a site-specific time window may be the length of a school semester at a college campus, a concert series at a concert venue, a season window at a theme park, or a sports tournament at a stadium. In some embodiments, a time-based rule may allow unlimited dispensing during a time window (eg, unlimited beverage dispensing during a college semester). In some embodiments, time-based rules may be paired with refill allowance or volume-based rules to limit the maximum amount of beverage that can be dispensed during a time window.

Prepaid credit dispensing rules limit the volume of beverage that a customer can dispense from beverage dispenser 110 based on the price/unit of beverage purchased or received by the customer. A unit may be, for example, a volume or a replenishment. For example, a customer may purchase or receive a beverage plan with $10, $20, $50, or $100 in credits that entitles the customer to dispense beverages up to the credit amount. In such embodiments, controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may track the customer's credit amount by tracking the amount of beverage dispensed after the customer at beverage dispenser 110 is identified and authenticated. You can. For example, in a volume-based pricing system, the price per volume of a beverage may be 5 cents per ounce, 10 cents per ounce, or 15 cents per ounce. If a customer purchases or receives a beverage plan with a $10 credit, and the customer dispenses a 10-ounce beverage at 5 cents per ounce, the dispense rule is updated to reflect the $9.50 credit. be done. Additional beverage dispenses will similarly reduce the credit amount.

Dispensing rules based on prepaid credits can facilitate the option of charging different prices for different beverage types. For example, some beverages may cost 5 cents per ounce while other beverages cost 10 cents per ounce. In some embodiments, the user interface 122 can display costs per ounce for different beverages, and the customer can make a selection based on his or her preferences. In some embodiments, a prepaid credit dispensing rule can provide a fixed price per volume to the customer. In some embodiments, a prepaid credit dispensing rule can provide a variable price per volume to the customer. The variable price per volume may increase or decrease over time for the same and/or different beverages.

The unlimited beverage dispensing rule allows an authorized customer to dispense an unlimited amount of beverages from the beverage dispenser 110. Often, an unlimited beverage dispensing rule can be paired with another rule, such as a time-based rule or a geographic location-based rule.

In some embodiments, a purchased beverage plan may include beverage dispensing limits. Beverage dispensing restrictions may limit the amount and/or type of beverage that can be dispensed by a customer. For example, a parent or guardian may purchase or receive a beverage plan that limits the amount of soft drinks that a child can dispense. In some embodiments, beverage dispensing restrictions include, but are not limited to, maximum volume capacity limitations, refill capacity limitations, and beverage type limitations. Maximum volume and refill allowance limits limit the amount of beverage that a customer can dispense. In some embodiments, the maximum volume or refill allowance limit may include a time component. For example, maximum volume or number of refills per X minutes or Y hours. Beverage type restrictions allow you to restrict only certain types of beverages, for example, only non-diet beverages, only diet beverages, only naturally sweetened beverages, only artificially sweetened beverages, only zero calorie beverages, only decaffeinated beverages, etc. Note: In some embodiments, a purchased or received beverage plan may include multiple beverage restrictions. For example, a beverage volume restriction may be paired with a beverage type restriction. In such embodiments, a particular type of beverage (e.g., a non-diet beverage) may be dispensed to a particular volume (e.g., 20 ounces per 24 hours), and then another type of beverage (e.g., , diet drinks) may be dispensed. Beverage dispensing restrictions may be added, stored, and updated within database 150.

In some embodiments, a customer account may include one or more promotional beverage allowances. In some embodiments, a promotional beverage allowance may be associated with a customer beverage plan. In some embodiments, promotional beverage allowances may be awarded to customers based on a loyalty or rewards program. In some embodiments, promotional beverage allowances may be gifted to customers as part of a sales campaign. A promotional beverage allowance may include, for example, a free refill or a free beverage volume (eg, 20 ounces). Promotional beverage allowances may be added, stored, and updated within database 150.

In some embodiments, a customer account may include one or more customer preferences. Customer preferences may include, for example, but are not limited to, the customer's preferred beverage type, preferred beverage combination or recipe, recent beverage selections, recommended languages, or recommended display screen configurations. In some embodiments, electronic display screen 123 may display information based on the authenticated customer's preferences. In some embodiments, electronic display screen 123 of user interface 122 may display beverage selections of the identified customer's preferred beverages within a quick access category portion of electronic display screen 123. In some embodiments, the identified customer's most recent beverage selection may be displayed within a quick access portion of electronic display screen 123.

The customer may set up and/or update a customer profile (eg, biometric profile) prior to arriving on-site or on-site. In some embodiments, beverage dispenser 110 may allow customers to set up and/or update their profiles. In some embodiments, beverage dispenser 110 may collect customer profile information. In some embodiments, a customer can set up and/or update their profile on a mobile device, such as a cell phone or tablet computer. In any event, customer profiles and/or updates may be transmitted to and stored in database 150 for access by controller 120 and/or remote controller 124.

In some embodiments, a customer can purchase or receive a beverage plan in-person on-site. In some embodiments, a customer can purchase or receive a beverage plan online. In some embodiments, a customer may download and store a mobile device application on their personal device 160 that, when executed, collects profile data and transmits data to database 150. A computer-readable medium configured to do so is included. In some embodiments, the device application connects to a database of available beverage plans, and the customer can select a beverage plan to purchase or receive via the mobile device application.

The customer's biometric characteristics may be collected before the customer arrives on-site or while the customer is on-site. For example, in some embodiments, a customer's biometric characteristics may be collected by the customer's personal device 160 (eg, a mobile phone or tablet computer). In such embodiments, biometric sensors on the customer's personal device 160 may collect biometric data and transmit the biometric data to database 150 . In some embodiments, a customer may download and save a mobile device application that includes a computer-readable medium configured to collect and transmit biometric data to database 150. For example, when purchasing or receiving a beverage plan online using their personal device 160, the customer enters biometric characteristics (e.g., a photo of a thumb print, using a fingerprint reader on their personal device) into the database 150. (a fingerprint profile captured using a camera, a photo of your face captured using your personal device's camera, or an audio sample).

In some embodiments, the customer's biometric characteristics may be collected on-site. In some embodiments, beverage dispenser 110 may be configured to collect customer biometric characteristics. In such embodiments, biometric sensor 125 of beverage dispenser 110 may collect biometric data, and controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may transmit biometric data to database 150. For example, in the field, a customer may register biometric data using the biometric sensor 125 associated with the beverage dispenser 110 (e.g., the customer may scan their fingerprint on a fingerprint reader). ).

In some embodiments, a customer's personal device 160 having a mobile device application stored on the device 160 can interact with the dispenser 110. In some embodiments, a customer may initiate communication with their personal device 160 and select a beverage plan. Dispenser 110 and personal device 160 may be configured to communicate using, for example, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), ultrasound, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) methods. Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) methods use radio waves to transmit messages. In some embodiments, the controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 associated with the beverage dispenser 110 authenticates the customer and connects the customer to the beverage dispenser 110 based on data communicated from the customer's personal device 160 to the beverage dispenser 110. Can be associated with a profile.

In some embodiments, the customer's personal device 160 sends a message in the form of a sound wave (e.g., an ultrasound message) when the customer is ready to dispense a beverage using a purchased or received beverage plan. ) can be sent to the beverage dispenser 110. The message may include customer identification data. After receiving the customer message and authenticating the customer, beverage dispenser 110 may be unlocked to enable dispensing. The beverage dispenser 110 may then send a message in the form of a sound wave (eg, an ultrasound message) back to the customer's device 160 indicating that the customer can begin dispensing the beverage. After the dispensing is complete, the beverage dispenser 110 sends another sonic message to the personal device 160 indicating one or more characteristics of the dispensed beverage, such as volume, type, dispensing time, beverage cost, etc. You can. The customer's beverage dispensing rules may then be updated based on the characteristics. In such embodiments, the dispenser 110 may not be in communication with the database 150 and the controller 120 of the dispenser 110 may utilize the customer's personal device 160 to send and receive information from the database 150. . In such embodiments, the customer's personal device 160 may relay information from the database 150 to the dispenser 110 and vice versa. This two-way communication between the dispenser 110 and the personal device 160 can be used to identify the customer, associate the customer with a customer account, and track the customer's beverage consumption.

In some embodiments, the dispenser 110 may be connected to a database 150 and the dispenser 110 may receive one or more sonic messages from a customer's personal device 160 that identify the personal device 160 to the dispenser 110. Can be done. In such embodiments, a customer may approach dispenser 110 and present personal device 160 having a mobile application stored thereon along with an associated customer account. After approaching the dispenser 110, the customer can instruct his personal device 160 to emit one or more sonic messages to the dispenser 110. The sonic message from the device 160 includes encoded information related to the customer's profile that is used by the controller 120 of the dispenser 110 to identify the customer's personal device 160 and, therefore, the individual customer associated with the personal device 160 . In such embodiments, dispenser 110 is connected to database 150 and controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 cross-references the identified customer as to what their beverage plan is and authenticates the customer. Additionally, after a dispensing is completed by an authorized customer, the beverage dispenser 110 sends a message to the database 150 indicating one or more characteristics of the dispensed beverage, e.g., volume, type, dispensing time, beverage cost, etc. You may also send it to The customer may indicate that the dispensing is complete by pressing a button or icon on the user interface 122 of the dispenser 110. One-way communication from the customer's device 160 to the dispenser 110 in such embodiments can be used to identify the customer, associate the customer with the customer account, and track the customer's beverage consumption.

In some embodiments, the sonic messages sent between the customer's personal device 160 and the dispenser 110 may be inaudible to the human ear. In such embodiments, the acoustic message may have a frequency outside of 20 hertz (Hz) to 20 kHz. Single and two-way communication between personal device 160 and dispenser 110 may be accomplished by wireless communication techniques other than sonic messages. For example, single- and two-way communication may be accomplished using Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) messages.

In some embodiments, a customer's personal device 160 having a mobile device application stored on the device 160 can be used to access the database 150 and track the customer's dispensing at the beverage dispenser 110. . In such embodiments, a customer may open a mobile device application and select a purchased beverage plan to consume the purchased beverage. After selecting a purchased beverage plan, the customer can then identify a particular beverage dispenser 110 to dispense the beverage. Based on the selected beverage plan and beverage dispenser 110, controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may determine whether the customer is authorized to dispense a beverage from dispenser 110. If the customer is authorized by controller 120 and/or remote controller 124, beverage dispenser 110 is unlocked and beverage dispenser 110 is permitted to dispense beverages.

In some embodiments, to identify a beverage dispenser 110, a customer may use a mobile device application on their personal device 160 to enter a pin number associated with a particular dispenser 110. . In such embodiments, database 150 may store pin numbers for all beverage dispensers 110 and controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may specify whether a customer's beverage plan requires dispensing from a particular dispenser 110. Database 150 can be queried to determine whether to allow the customer.

In some embodiments, dispenser 110 may include machine-readable indicia (eg, a bar code or QR code) displayed on dispenser 110 along with encoded data that identifies the particular dispenser. A customer can use their personal device 160 to scan the machine-readable indicia to identify the particular beverage dispenser they wish to dispense. In such embodiments, the database 150 may store barcode or QR code data for all beverage dispensers 110, and the controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may be configured to identify the customer's beverage plan. The database 150 can be queried to determine whether to allow the customer to dispense from the dispenser 110.

In some embodiments, the dispenser 110 includes an ultrasound emitter (e.g., a LISNR® device) configured to emit sound waves that are readable by a corresponding ultrasound decoder (e.g., a LISNR® device). ) may also be included. The customer can activate the ultrasonic decoder on his personal device 160 to identify the particular beverage dispenser he wishes to dispense. In such embodiments, the database 150 may store unique ultrasonic identifiers for all beverage dispensers 110 and the controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may be configured to identify a customer's beverage plan from a particular dispenser 110. Database 150 may be queried to determine whether to allow the note to the customer.

In some embodiments, the customer may swipe the beverage dispenser 110 with a magnetic strip card containing the purchased beverage plan information. Based on the information on the magnetic strip, controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may determine whether the customer is authorized to dispense a beverage. If authorized, the customer can dispense a beverage and, after dispensing, update the customer's purchased beverage plan in the database 150. In some embodiments, the magnetic strip may be a read/write magnetic strip and purchased beverage plan information may be updated and stored on the card. In some embodiments, the handling item (e.g., card, fob, or customer's personal device 160) mimics the swipe of a magnetic strip card (e.g., like Samsung's LoopPay technology with magnetic secure transmission). A magnetic signal may also be emitted.

In some embodiments, dispensing system 100 may include an ice dispenser 114 coupled to an ice reservoir 118. Ice dispenser 114 may include an ice chute 116 coupled to an ice reservoir 118. A valve 117, such as a guillotine door, may control the flow of ice from ice storage 118 into ice chute 116.

Dispensing system 100 may include one or more base liquid sources 130. The base liquid source 130 can also be, but is not limited to, a tap water source (eg, a water pipe) and a carbonated water source (eg, a carbonated water reservoir or soda water dispenser). Base liquid source 130 may be coupled to dispenser 110 via base liquid delivery conduit 134. A valve/pump 135 in communication with the base liquid delivery conduit 134 may be configured to control the flow of base liquid into the beverage dispenser 110 through the base liquid delivery conduit 134.

In some embodiments, dispenser 110 may allow any customer to dispense plain water, ice, and/or plain carbonated water without identifying or authenticating the customer. In such embodiments, the user interface 122 of the dispenser 110 may allow the customer to select plain water, ice, and/or plain sparkling water, and the controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 can begin dispensing without identifying or authenticating the customer. If a customer desires to dispense a beverage other than regular water, ice, and/or regular carbonated water (e.g., soft drinks), controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may identify and authenticate the customer. may be required.

Dispensing system 100 may include one or more sources 140 of raw material components. Raw material component source 140 may include a plurality of raw material components 142 (142-1 to 142-n). Raw material component 142 may include a liquid raw material component, such as a sweetener (e.g., sugar or artificial sweetener), syrup or flavoring agent (e.g., cola syrup or flavoring, branded soda syrup or flavoring agent (e.g., Pepsi®) ), Mountain Dew®, or Sierra Mist®), orange flavor, lime flavor, cherry flavor, tea flavor, etc.), or other liquid additives (e.g., vitamins, acids ( Examples include, but are not limited to, citric acid), salts, electrolytes, or colorants). Raw material component 142 may be packaged in a container, examples of which include, but are not limited to, cartridges or bags. Each raw material component 142 may be delivered to the dispenser 110 via a raw material component delivery conduit 144. A valve/pump 145 in communication with the ingredient delivery conduit 144 may be configured to control the flow of ingredient ingredients into the beverage dispenser 110 through the ingredient delivery conduit 144.

In a dispensing system 100 that includes multiple beverage dispensers 110, the beverage dispensers 110 may share a base liquid source 130 and/or a raw ingredient source 140. In some embodiments, each beverage dispenser 110 of dispensing system 100 may have its own source of base liquid 130 and/or source of raw ingredient ingredient 140.

In some embodiments, controller 120 may include and/or be configured to read a sensor 127 associated with dispensing system 100. Sensor 127 may include a pressure sensor to monitor the pressure of the base liquid in base liquid delivery conduit 134 and/or to monitor the pressure of the raw material component in raw material component delivery conduit 144. Sensors 127 may also include flow sensors (eg, flow meters) to measure the flow of base liquid and raw material components within delivery conduits 134 and 144. In some embodiments, sensor 127 may include a level sensor to measure the amount of each raw material component 142 remaining within source 140 of raw material component. Sensors 127 may be used to determine, for example, the volume of the beverage dispensed by the customer, the number of refills dispensed by the customer, the type of beverage dispensed by the customer, and/or the time the customer dispensed the beverage. The length can be tracked.

Sensor 127 also detects (1) the level of a carbon dioxide tank (e.g., one or more carbon dioxide regulators); (2) the carbonation head of a carbonator configured to carbonate water. pressure; (3) the ambient temperature of the room (e.g., back room) in which the base liquid and/or raw material components are stored, such that one or more base liquids and/or raw material components are at a predetermined temperature level or (4) water filtration system parameters (e.g. water pressure, differential pressure across the filter); (5) pH of water or carbonated water; (6) (e.g. The sensor may also include, but is not limited to, a sensor configured to monitor the expiration date of the raw ingredient container (by reading a bar code associated within the raw ingredient container). Sensors 127 may be connected to input/output ("I/O") racks or devices and may be configured to send or receive signals to controller 120 over a wired or wireless network. Controller 120 may be configured to control operation of dispensing system 100 based on data collected by sensor 127 (eg, pressure and flow values).

In some embodiments, controller 120 may use the type of ingredient ingredients available at beverage dispenser 110 and the customer account to customize the information displayed on display screen 123 for a particular customer. For example, controller 120 may be configured to display a greeting message that includes the customer's name and the customer's most selected beverage option (eg, the customer's favorite beverage). In some embodiments, controller 120 may track customer preferences.

Controller 120 may control the dispensing of beverages and ice from beverage dispenser 110 and ice dispenser 114, respectively. Controller 120 can control the dispensing of ice by controlling valve 117. Controller 120 may open and close valve 117 in response to user input received from user interface 122. Controller 120 may be configured to dispense different amounts of ice depending on the user's selections. For example, buttons or touch screen icons may be provided on the user interface 122 for a "standard" amount of ice, a "high" amount of ice, and a "low" amount of ice.

Controller 120 may control the dispensing of a beverage, which may be a mixture of base liquid from beverage dispenser 110 and another raw material component 142 . Controller 120 may control the flow of base liquid from base liquid source 130 by controlling valve/pump 135 . In some embodiments, the controller 120 simultaneously dispenses ice from the ice dispenser 114 via the ice chute 116 and dispenses a beverage (e.g., a base liquid with one or more ingredient ingredients mixed therein) from the beverage dispenser 110. It may be configured to dispense.

FIG. 3 illustrates a dispenser 300 according to some embodiments. Dispenser 300 may include a body 302 and a drip tray 304, with a dispensing position 306 located within the area occupied by drip tray 304. A user (eg, a customer) can place his or her container at the dispensing location 306 to receive the desired beverage and/or ice. Body 302 may include a user interface 310 for receiving instructions from a customer. User interface 310 may include an electronic display screen 312 configured to display information to and/or receive instructions from the customer. Electronic display screen 312 may be a touch screen, including, by way of example and not limitation, a liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen, or a light emitting diode (LED) touch screen.

Body 302 may house a dispensing manifold 320 that includes a dispensing nozzle 322 for dispensing a beverage at dispensing location 306 . In some embodiments, dispenser 300 may be configured to be installed on a countertop in the field. In some embodiments, the dispenser 300 can be a stand-alone dispenser that has its own support structure to raise itself above floor level on-site.

Dispenser 300 may be configured to dispense a beverage into a container located below dispensing nozzle 322 of dispenser 300, such as on drip tray 304 at dispensing position 306. The customer may select his or her desired beverage to be dispensed by dispenser 300 and/or initiate dispensing of the beverage by interacting with electronic display screen 312 . In some embodiments, beverage ice may be dispensed by dispenser 300. As used herein, "container" includes any suitable beverage container, such as, but not limited to, a cup, bottle, flask, pitcher, or mug.

Dispenser 300 may include one or more biosensors 325. Biometric sensor 325 may be, for example, a fingerprint reader, finger vein scanner, retinal scanner, iris scanner, camera, microphone, or other sensor configured to read unique biometric characteristics of an individual. In some embodiments, one or more biosensors 325 may be placed on dispenser 300. In some embodiments, one or more biosensors 325 may be located on an external device 330 that communicates with dispenser 300 via a wired or wireless communication line 332. In some embodiments, external device 330 may be a pad that includes a biometric sensor 325, such as a fingerprint reader, for example. In some embodiments, external device 330 may be coupled to the top or wall of an adjacent table within reach of the arm of dispenser 300.

In some embodiments, electronic display screen 312 may include a biometric sensor 325, such as a fingerprint reader or finger vein scanner. A biometric sensor 325 integrated with the electronic display screen 312 can capture biometric data of the customer when the customer touches the electronic display screen 312. In such embodiments, electronic display screen 312 may be a touch screen, and the customer's contact with the touch screen may initiate the reading of biometric data. In some embodiments, a customer's contact with a particular icon 326 on the touch screen can initiate biometric data reading simultaneously or instantaneously. In some embodiments, the icon 326 may be an icon to begin reading the biometric data and begin dispensing the beverage from the dispenser 300 after the customer's biometric data is authenticated. In other words, the touch screen icon 326 may function as an actuator to collect biometric data as well as to initiate beverage dispensing from the dispensing nozzle 322.

In some embodiments, dispenser 300 may include one or more actuators 324 to initiate beverage dispensing from dispensing nozzle 322. Actuator 324 may be, for example, a push button or a capacitive touch button. In some embodiments, actuator 324 may include a biometric sensor 325, such as a fingerprint reader or finger vein scanner. A biosensor 325 integrated with the actuator 324 can capture biometric data of the customer when the customer touches the actuator 324. In such embodiments, actuator 324 may function to collect biometric data and initiate beverage dispensing from dispensing nozzle 322 after the customer is authenticated.

FIG. 4 illustrates a dispenser 400 according to some embodiments. Dispenser 400 may include a body 402 and a drip tray 404, with a dispensing position 406 located within the area occupied by drip tray 404. The customer can place his or her cup at the dispensing location 406 to receive the desired beverage. Body 402 may include a user interface 410 for receiving instructions from a customer. User interface 410 may include an electronic display screen 412, a logo 420, and/or a lever 424. Electronic display screen 412, logo 420, and/or lever 424 may be configured to display customer information and/or receive instructions from the customer. In some embodiments, electronic display screen 412 may be a touch screen, including, by way of example and not limitation, a liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen or a light emitting diode (LED) touch screen.

Dispenser 400 includes multiple dispensing nozzles 422 for dispensing the same or different beverages at respective dispensing positions 406. In some embodiments, each dispensing nozzle 422 may be associated with a respective logo 420 that indicates the type of beverage dispensed from the respective dispensing nozzle 422. In some embodiments, logo 420 may be a button (eg, a push button or capacitive touch button) to initiate beverage dispensing from dispensing nozzle 422. In some embodiments, dispenser 400 may be configured to be installed on a countertop in the field. In some embodiments, the dispenser 400 can be a stand-alone dispenser that has its own support structure to raise itself above floor level on-site.

Dispenser 400 may be configured to dispense a beverage into a container located below dispensing nozzle 422 of dispenser 400, such as on drip tray 404 at dispensing position 406. In some embodiments, the customer can initiate beverage dispensing by pressing logo 420. In some embodiments, actuation of the lever 424 may initiate dispensing of the beverage from the associated dispensing nozzle 422.

Dispensing system 400 may include one or more sources of raw material components 425. Biometric sensor 425 may be a fingerprint reader, finger vein scanner, retinal scanner, iris scanner, camera, microphone, or other sensor configured to read unique biometric characteristics of an individual. In some embodiments, one or more biosensors 425 may be placed on dispenser 400. In some embodiments, one or more biosensors 425 may be located on an external device 430 that communicates with dispenser 400 via a wired or wireless communication line 432. In some embodiments, external device 430 may be a pad that includes a biometric sensor 425, such as a fingerprint reader, for example. In some embodiments, external device 430 may be coupled to the top or wall of the table within reach of the arm of dispenser 400.

In some embodiments, electronic display screen 412 may include a biometric sensor 425, such as a fingerprint reader or finger vein scanner. A biometric sensor 425 integrated with the electronic display screen 412 can capture biometric data of the customer when the customer touches the electronic display screen 412. In such embodiments, electronic display screen 412 may be a touch screen, and the customer's contact with the touch screen may initiate the reading of biometric data. In some embodiments, a customer's contact with icon 426 on the touch screen can initiate the reading of biometric data.

In some embodiments, logo 420 may include a biometric sensor 425, such as a fingerprint reader or finger vein scanner. A biometric sensor 425 integrated with the logo 420 can capture biometric data of the customer when the customer touches the logo 420. In such embodiments, logo 420 may function to collect biometric data and initiate beverage dispensing from dispensing nozzle 422 after the customer is authenticated.

FIG. 5 illustrates a dispenser 500 according to some embodiments. Dispenser 500 may include a body 502 and a drip tray 504, with a dispensing position 506 located within the area occupied by drip tray 504. The customer can place his or her cup at the dispensing location 506 to receive the desired beverage. Body 502 may include a user interface 510 for receiving commands from a user. User interface 510 may include an electronic display screen 512 and a handle 524. Electronic display screen 512 and/or handle 524 may be configured to display customer information and/or receive instructions from the customer. In some embodiments, electronic display screen 512 may be a touch screen, including, by way of example and not limitation, a liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen or a light emitting diode (LED) touch screen.

Dispenser 500 includes a plurality of dispensing nozzles 522 for dispensing the same or different beverages at respective dispensing positions 506. In some embodiments, each beverage dispensing nozzle 522 may be associated with a respective handle 524. In some embodiments, handle 524 may be coupled to handle assembly 523. In some embodiments, the handle assembly 523 may include a logo 520 that indicates the type of beverage dispensed from the respective dispensing nozzle 522 upon operation of the corresponding handle 524. In some embodiments, dispenser 500 may be configured to be installed on a countertop in the field. In some embodiments, the dispenser 500 can be a stand-alone dispenser that has its own support structure to raise itself above floor level on-site.

Dispenser 500 may be configured to dispense a beverage into a container positioned below dispensing nozzle 522 of dispenser 500, such as on drip tray 504 at dispensing position 506. In some embodiments, the customer can initiate dispensing of the beverage by manipulating (eg, pushing or pulling) handle 524. In some embodiments, manipulating the handle 524 may initiate dispensing of a beverage from the associated dispensing nozzle 522.

Dispenser 500 may include one or more biosensors 525. Biometric sensor 525 may be a fingerprint reader, finger vein scanner, retinal scanner, iris scanner, camera, microphone, or other sensor configured to read unique biometric characteristics of an individual. In some embodiments, one or more biosensors 525 may be placed on dispenser 500. In some embodiments, one or more biosensors 525 may be located on an external device 530 that communicates with dispenser 500 via a wired or wireless communication line 532. In some embodiments, external device 530 may be a pad that includes a biometric sensor 525, such as a fingerprint reader, for example. In some embodiments, external device 530 may be coupled to the top or wall of the table within reach of the arm of dispenser 500.

In some embodiments, electronic display screen 512 may include a biometric sensor 525, such as a fingerprint reader or finger vein scanner. A biometric sensor 525 integrated with the electronic display screen 512 can capture biometric data of the customer when the customer touches the electronic display screen 512. In such embodiments, electronic display screen 512 may be a touch screen, and the customer's contact with the touch screen may initiate the reading of biometric data. In some embodiments, a customer's contact with icon 526 on the touch screen can initiate the reading of biometric data.

In some embodiments, handle 524 may include a biometric sensor 525, such as a fingerprint reader or finger vein scanner. A biosensor 525 integrated with the handle 524 can capture biometric data of the customer when the customer grasps the handle 524. In such embodiments, the handle 524 may function to collect biometric data and initiate beverage dispensing from the dispensing nozzle 522 after the customer is authenticated. In some embodiments, biometric sensor 525 on handle 524 may be a microphone for recording the customer's voice profile. In some embodiments, biosensor 525 may be located on handle assembly 523 of dispenser 500.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 for dispensing a beverage, according to some embodiments. Although method 600 is described in the context of collecting customer biometric data, any type of customer data contemplated herein may be used to authenticate a customer and dispense a beverage to the authorized customer. , may be employed in the steps of method 600. For example, customer data read from a magnetic strip or received from a customer's personal device can be used to authenticate a customer and dispense a beverage according to method 600.

At step 610, a plurality of authorized biometric profiles are stored in database 150. For example, the biometric profile of FIG. 2 may be stored within database 150. Step 610 may also include collecting biometric profile data. For example, step 610 may include receiving a customer's request to purchase a particular beverage plan. When selecting a beverage plan to purchase, the customer may specify, among other things, the type of beverage rule for the beverage plan and the beverage restrictions for any of the beverage plans. These customer preferences may be stored within database 150 and associated with a particular customer account. Step 610 may also include collecting biometric data from the customer, as discussed herein. Based on the information collected from the customer, a biometric profile including one or more biometric characteristics and a customer account with one or more beverage dispensing rules is created and stored in database 150.

At step 620 , biometric characteristics of the customer are collected at the beverage dispenser 110 having the biometric sensor 125 , thereby identifying the customer to the system 100 . For example, customer number 041987 may approach beverage dispenser 110 and place his finger on the fingerprint reader associated with beverage dispenser 110. The finger printer reader may collect the customer's fingerprint to identify the customer to the system 100. In some embodiments, the electronic display screen 123 may instruct the customer to present a biometric signature to the beverage dispenser (e.g., instruct the customer to place their finger on a fingerprint reader). ).

At step 630, the customer at the beverage dispenser is authenticated by comparing the collected customer biometrics to authorized biometric profiles in database 150. For example, controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 may compare a fingerprint scan collected from customer number 041987 to stored fingerprint scans in database 150 to determine whether customer number 041987 has an authorized account with system 100. It is possible to determine whether Additionally, at step 630, if an authorized account exists, controller 120 and/or remote controller 124 determines the customer's beverage dispensing rules and determines whether the beverage dispensing rules have been exhausted. You can. Step 630 may also include determining whether the customer number has a beverage dispensing limit or promotional allowance.

If an authorized account exists and the account's beverage dispensing rules have not been exhausted, the customer is authenticated and method 600 proceeds to step 640. If no authorized account exists or the account's beverage dispensing rules have not been exhausted, the customer is not authenticated and method 600 returns to step 620. In some embodiments, electronic display screen 123 may display an indication that beverage dispenser 110 is attempting to authenticate the customer. In such embodiments, display screen 123 may display the text "Authenticating". In some embodiments, a light on the dispenser can indicate the status of the authentication process. For example, a yellow light may indicate that authentication is in progress, a green light may indicate that the customer has been authenticated, and a red light may indicate that the customer is not authenticated. May be shown. If authentication fails, the customer may be instructed to try authentication again.

At step 640, the authenticated customer is associated with his or her particular authorized biometric profile within database 150. By associating customers with their profiles, system 100 can track beverages dispensed by the customer. For example, dispensing actions performed by customer number 041987, previously authenticated in step 630, are associated with his account in step 640. At step 640, controller 120 may notify system 100 that it was involved in a dispensing session with an authenticated customer by actively connecting remote controller 124. Controller 120 may also notify system 100 that a dispensing from a particular dispenser 110 is being performed by a particular authorized customer. This allows the system 100 to track beverage dispensing by authorized customers.

In this manner, system 100 can limit a customer's dispensing capabilities to only those authorized for his or her account. For example, if customer number 041987 has 20 ounces remaining in its beverage dispensing rules, beverage dispenser 110 may prevent additional dispenses after 20 ounces have been dispensed. As another example, if customer number 051393 attempts to dispense a beverage that includes a natural sweetener, beverage dispenser 110 will not be able to dispense such a beverage because customer number 051393 has a beverage dispensing restriction of "artificial sweeteners only." Note can be prevented. In some embodiments, display screen 123 may display an instruction that the customer is not authorized to dispense beverages or additional beverages.

At step 650, a beverage is dispensed at the beverage dispenser 110 based on the particular approved biometric profile. After the beverage dispensing is completed at step 650, controller 120 and/or controller 124 may record one or more characteristics of the dispensing session, such as volume, type, dispense time, beverage cost, etc. The customer's beverage dispensing rules may then be updated in database 150 based on the characteristics. All or part of step 640 may be performed before, after, and/or during step 650. In some embodiments, steps 640 and 650 may be performed simultaneously.

In some embodiments, controller 120 may be configured to enable beverage dispensing for a predetermined period of time. Additionally, upon expiration of the predetermined time period, controller 120 may be configured to prevent beverage dispensing until the future customer is authenticated. In some embodiments, a dispensing session with an authenticated customer may time out if the customer does not complete the dispensing within a maximum time limit. In other words, controller 120 may start a timer that ends after a certain amount of time. In some embodiments, the electronic display screen 123 of the beverage dispenser 110 may display a timer extension icon to give the customer additional time. If the session times out, method 600 may return to step 620 to identify and authorize a new (or the same) customer. In some embodiments, electronic display screen 123 may include an "exit" or "done" button or icon. In some embodiments, the dispenser 110 may have a proximity sensor that recognizes when the customer leaves the front of the machine, thereby terminating the dispensing session with the customer. One or more of these features can help prevent piggybacking by only keeping an authenticated customer's dispensing session ongoing for a limited amount of time.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example computer system 700 in which embodiments, or portions thereof, may be implemented as computer readable code. For example, the collection of customer data (e.g., biometric data), the identification of a customer based on the data collected, the authentication of a customer account, and/or the tracking of a customer account may be performed using hardware, software, firmware, instructions stored therein, or may be implemented within computer system 700 using a tangible computer-readable medium having a computer-readable medium, or a combination thereof, or may be implemented on one or more computer systems or other processing systems. A controller as discussed herein may be a computer system that has all or some of the components of computer system 700 for implementing the processes discussed herein.

If programmable logic is used, such logic may be executed on a commercially available processing platform or a special purpose device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be applied to multicore multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, and mainframe computers, computers linked or clustered with distributed functionality, and virtually any device. It can be appreciated that the implementation may be performed by a variety of computer system configurations, including pervasive or miniature computers that may be embedded.

For example, at least one processor device and memory may be used to implement the embodiments described above. A processor device may be a single processor, multiple processors, or a combination thereof. A processor device may have one or more processor "cores."

Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented with respect to this exemplary computer system 700. After reading this description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how one or more of the inventions may be implemented using other computer systems and/or computer architectures. Although an operation may be described as a sequential process, some of the operations may actually be performed in parallel, concurrently, and/or in a distributed environment, and may be local to access by a single or multiprocessor machine. It may be executed by program code stored locally or remotely. Additionally, in some embodiments, the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

Processor device 704 may be a special purpose or general purpose processor device. As will be understood by those of relevant skill in the art, processor device 704 may be a single processor in a multi-core/multi-processor system, such systems operating alone or in a cluster or server farm. Operates on a cluster of computing devices. Processor device 704 is connected to a communications infrastructure 706, such as a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message passing scheme.

Computer system 700 also includes main memory 708, such as random access memory (RAM), and may also include secondary memory 710. Secondary memory 710 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 712 or a removable storage drive 714. Removable storage drives 714 may include floppy disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drives, flash memory, and the like. Removable storage drive 714 reads from and/or writes to removable storage unit 718 in well-known manner. Removable storage units 718 may include floppy disks, magnetic tape, optical disks, universal serial bus (USB) drives, etc., which are read from and written to by removable storage drive 714 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, removable storage unit 718 includes computer usable storage media that store computer software and/or data.

Computer system 700 (optionally) transfers graphics, text, and other data from communications infrastructure 706 (or from a frame buffer, not shown) for display on display unit 730 (e.g., from a frame buffer, not shown). , a display interface 702 (which may include input and output devices such as a mouse, etc.).

In alternative implementations, secondary memory 710 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 700. Such means may include, for example, removable storage unit 722 and interface 720. Examples of such means include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video gaming devices) that allow software and data to be transferred from removable storage unit 722 to computer system 700; memory chips (eg, EPROM or PROM) and associated sockets, as well as other removable storage units 722 and interfaces 720.

Computer system 700 may also include a communications interface 724. Communication interface 724 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 700 and external devices. Communication interfaces 724 may include modems, network interfaces (eg, Ethernet cards), communication ports, PCMCIA slots, cards, and the like. Software and data transmitted through communications interface 724 may be in the form of signals, including electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 724. It can be. These signals may be provided to communication interface 724 via communication path 726. Communication path 726 carries signals and may be implemented using wires or cables, fiber optics, telephone lines, cellular links, RF links, or other communication channels.

In this document, the terms "computer program medium" or "computer usable medium" generally refer to removable storage unit 718, removable storage unit 722, and hard disks installed within hard disk drive 712, etc. used to refer to the medium of Computer program medium and computer usable medium can refer to memory, such as, for example, main memory 708 and secondary memory 710, which can be memory semiconductors (eg, DRAM, etc.).

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in main memory 708 and/or secondary memory 710. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface 724. Such computer programs, when executed, enable computer system 700 to perform the embodiments discussed herein. In particular, the computer program, when executed, enables processor device 704 to perform the processes of the embodiments discussed herein. Such a computer program thus represents a controller for computer system 700. If the embodiments are implemented using software, the software is stored within a computer program product and is connected to computer system 700 using removable storage drive 714, interface 720, and hard disk drive 712, or communication interface 724. can be loaded into.

Embodiments of the invention may also be directed to computer program products that include software stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed on one or more data processing devices, causes the data processing devices to operate as described herein. Embodiments of the invention may employ computer usable or readable media. Examples of computer-usable media include primary storage devices (e.g., any type of random access memory), secondary storage devices (e.g., hard drives, floppy disks, CD ROMs, ZIP disks, tape, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices, MEMS, nanotechnology storage devices, etc.).

It is understood that the "Detailed Description" section, rather than the "Summary of the Invention" and "Abstract" sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. sea bream. Although the "Summary of the Invention" and "Summary" sections may present one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims in any way.

The invention has been described in terms of functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation of specific functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of explanation. Alternative boundaries may be defined as long as the specific functions and relationships between them are performed appropriately.

The foregoing description of specific embodiments will make the general nature of the invention fully clear and will enable others to understand the general nature of the invention without undue trial and error by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Such specific embodiments may be readily modified and/or adapted for various applications without departing from the concept. Accordingly, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments based on the teachings and guidance provided herein. It is to be understood that the terminology or terminology herein is for purposes of explanation and not limitation; therefore, the terminology or terminology herein is intended to be used for purposes of illustration and guidance only. It should be interpreted from the perspective of a person skilled in the art.

The breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (24)

A beverage dispenser,
a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense one or more beverages;
an interface including an actuator configured to initiate dispensing of a beverage from the dispensing nozzle, the user interface including a biosensor configured to identify a biometric characteristic of a customer;
a controller, when the actuator is actuated;
associating the customer with a customer account based on the biometric characteristic, the customer account including beverage dispensing rules for the customer;
a controller configured to: enable beverage dispensing from the dispensing nozzle after associating the customer with the customer account. 2. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the user interface includes an electronic display screen and the biometric sensor includes a camera for optically identifying the biometric characteristics of the customer. 3. The beverage dispenser of claim 2, wherein the electronic display screen is configured to display images captured by the camera. Upon sensing that the actuator is disengaged, the controller records the amount of beverage dispensed from the dispensing nozzle and updates the beverage dispensing rule based on the dispensed beverage. 2. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the beverage dispenser is configured to. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a button. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a touch screen. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the biometric sensor includes a fingerprint reader. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to compare the identified biometric characteristic to a database of approved biometric characteristics. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the customer account includes a purchased beverage dispensing plan. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the customer account includes a beverage allowance. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the customer account includes customer preferences. 2. The beverage dispensing rules of claim 1, wherein the beverage dispensing rules include at least one of a beverage volume allowance rule, a beverage refill allowance rule, a time-based rule, a geographic location-based rule, and a prepaid credit rule. beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the customer account includes beverage dispensing restrictions. 14. The beverage dispenser of claim 13, wherein the beverage dispensing limits include at least one of a maximum volume capacity limit, a refill capacity limit, and a beverage type limit. 2. The controller is configured to track beverages dispensed by a customer and update the beverage dispensing rules based on beverages dispensed by the authorized customer. beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the biometric characteristic includes at least one of a fingerprint, a finger vein pattern, a retinal profile, an iris profile, a facial profile, and an audio profile. The beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to enable beverage dispensing from the dispensing nozzle for a predetermined period of time. 18. The beverage dispenser of claim 17, wherein upon expiration of the predetermined time, the controller is configured to prevent beverage dispensing until a future customer is associated with a customer account. A beverage dispensing system,
a database configured to store a plurality of authorized biometric profiles, each of the authorized profiles including a biometric profile and a customer account, the customer account including beverage dispensing rules; database and
a dispensing nozzle configured to dispense one or more beverages; and an actuator configured to initiate dispensing of a beverage from the dispensing nozzle; and configured to identify a customer biological characteristic. a user interface including a biosensor configured with a beverage dispenser;
a controller, when the actuator is actuated;
comparing the customer biometric profile to the authorized biometric profile;
associating the customer with a particular one of the authorized biometric profiles in the database;
a controller configured to: enable beverage dispensing from the dispensing nozzle based on the particular authorized biometric profile. 20. The beverage dispensing system of claim 19, wherein the authorized biometric profile is received at the database from a mobile device application. 20. The beverage dispensing system of claim 19, wherein the beverage dispenser is configured to collect the authorized biometric profile. A method for dispensing a beverage from an unmanned beverage dispenser, the method comprising:
Upon actuation of the actuator , the unattended beverage dispenser identifies the customer as a particular authorized user by collecting customer biometric characteristics and comparing the customer biometric characteristics to a plurality of authorized biometric profiles at the unattended beverage dispenser. associated with a biometric profile, the actuator including a biometric sensor and configured to initiate dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing nozzle of the unattended beverage dispenser;
dispensing a beverage at the unattended beverage dispenser based on the particular approved biometric profile. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising storing the plurality of authorized biometric profiles in a database. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the authorized biometric profiles includes a biometric profile and a customer account that includes beverage dispensing rules.

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